Product classification
HS code for Electron tube: 8540.81
Valves and tubes, receiver or amplifier.
Classification of electron tube under HS 8540.81
The classification of electron tubes under HS code 8540.81 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the functional nature of thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valves and tubes. Heading 8540 covers a wide range of vacuum-based electronic components. Subheading 8540.81 is specifically reserved for receiver or amplifier valves and tubes. These devices operate by controlling the flow of electrons in a vacuum or gas-filled enclosure, a technology distinct from solid-state semiconductors. The classification depends on the tube's primary function within a circuit, which in this case involves the reception or amplification of electrical signals. This code is essential for customs authorities to distinguish between older vacuum technology and modern integrated circuits, ensuring appropriate duty rates and regulatory compliance are applied to legacy equipment and specialized high-fidelity audio components.
- Covers
- Vacuum triodes used in radio receivers
- Pentode amplifier tubes
- Beam power tubes for audio amplification
- Glass or metal envelope receiver tubes
- Vacuum-based signal processing tubes
- Also under 8540.81
- JJ Electronic ECC83 (preamp tube)
- Electro-Harmonix EL34 (power tube)
- Tung-Sol 6L6GC (power tube)
- Mullard 12AX7 (preamp tube)
- Genalex Gold Lion KT88 (power tube)
Codes often confused with 8540.81
Common mistake. Electron tubes are frequently misclassified under HS code 8541, which covers diodes, transistors, and similar semiconductor devices. The primary distinction is that 8541 is for solid-state electronics, while 8540 is for vacuum or gas-filled tubes. Additionally, cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) for televisions or monitors are classified under 8540.11 or 8540.12, and should not be confused with the general receiver or amplifier tubes found in 8540.81.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854081 (the code used for electron tube), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854081 (the code used for electron tube) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 854081, not only electron tube.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $42M 37% of world exports
- 2 France $17M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $14M 12% of world exports
World total: $113M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $25M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $14M 12% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $119M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for electron tube
Brazil classifies electron tube under NCM 8540.81.00: HS 8540.81 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electron tube
What is the HS code for Electron tube?
The HS code for Electron tube is 854081 (Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier). The specific HS code for receiver or amplifier electron tubes is 8540.81.
How do I classify Electron tube for customs?
Electron tube is classified under HS code 854081 — Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 8540 and 8541?
HS code 8540 is used for vacuum-based technology (valves and tubes), whereas 8541 is used for modern solid-state semiconductor devices like transistors and silicon diodes.
Which countries are the top exporters of electron tube (HS 854081)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854081 (the code used for electron tube) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($42M, 37% of world exports), France ($17M) and Germany ($14M). World exports came to about $113M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of electron tube (HS 854081)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854081 (the code used for electron tube) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($25M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($14M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $119M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Electron tube the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854081 for Electron tube is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for electron tube in Brazil?
In Brazil, electron tube (HS 854081) is classified under NCM 8540.81.00.